Wildflowers and Wildlife on the Wednesday Hike

We had another memorable Wednesday hike.  This time to Silver Dollar Lakes near Georgetown.  We started out at about 11,300 ft and hiked up to about 12,000 ft.  This meant we spent quite a bit of time above the tree line.  Highlights of the hike included many, many wildflowers.  I have posted a number of pictures.  Though a picture may be worth a thousand words, it can't come anywhere close to actually being there.  The meadows full of blooming flowers were absolutely breathtaking.  We also walked through a number of pika neighborhoods and were near a marmot's home at lunch time.  This was another moderate hike, but well worth the effort!

This was a private lake that could be seen from the trail, but which is not supposed to be accessed by the general public.  There were some cabins and boats at one end.  It was really amazing how clear and still the water was.  The reflection of the surrounding trees was incredible.

The trail was very rocky and filled with tree roots.  We had to be very careful about where we stepped.  Further up the trail we walked through bushes and across large rocks.  The drop offs were a little intimidating.

  

Rock table for three for lunch, please!  And look at the view from our "table"!!!

There were flowers everywhere you looked on this hillside.  Unfortunately the photo doesn't do them justice.

This was the lower of the Silver Dollar Lakes.  Gerald and I over ruled Michael about hiking to the upper lake.  We enjoyed our lunch and then made our way back down.

Yummers!  Fritos at 12,000 ft.

This little critter is called an American Pika.  They live in the rocks and are very, very vocal. If you'd like to know more about them check out American Pika

If you zoom in you should be able to see the marmot.  It was closely watching some birds in the trees at the entrance to its "home".  It scurried under the trees before I could get a closer picture.  You can check out more about these critters at Yellow-bellied Marmot

 And then there were the wildflowers!!!  Enjoy!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On a side note, I have two interviews next week.  One on Tuesday, and the other on Wednesday.  I will certainly put out the notice if either of these ends in a job offer!!!  Cindy